Under the initiative of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), a professor and three students from the Panama Technological University (UTP) will embark on a study tour at the Faculty of Engineering of Chiba University in mid-February. This initiative aims to enhance academic collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of semiconductor research.

The study tour will focus on innovative methods to manage heat in semiconductor devices, an essential aspect for improving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in next-generation technology.

In preparation for the trip, an orientation session was organized with the participation of Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC. The session provided an overview of the research objectives and the significance of the collaboration between UTP and Chiba University in this important field.

Dr. Díaz expressed his gratitude to Chiba University for organizing the study tour under the Sakura Science Program, emphasizing the importance of academic exchanges in fostering scientific and technological innovation between Japan and Panama.

JAPOLAC remains committed to supporting academic partnerships and strengthening cooperation between Japanese, Latin American, and Caribbean universities.

At a meeting held on January 10, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), formally received the notification of the incorporation of the Embassy of Honduras in Japan as an Honorary Member of JAPOLAC. This notification was delivered by the Honduran Ambassador, H.E. Harold Burgos, during a meeting at the premises of the Honduran diplomatic mission.

The inclusion of the Embassy of Honduras as an Honorary Member of JAPOLAC marks a significant step in strengthening ties between JAPOLAC and the embassies of Latin America and the Caribbean. This event reaffirms JAPOLAC’s steadfast commitment to serving as a bridge connecting the cultures and economies of both regions, promoting mutual understanding and fostering cooperation across various areas of common interest.

In this context, Dr. Diaz expressed his deep gratitude to the Ambassador of Honduras for the trust placed in JAPOLAC, emphasizing that this distinction represents recognition of the association’s continuous efforts to enhance the region’s visibility and support the work of Latin American and Caribbean diplomatic missions in Japan.

With the incorporation of the Embassy of Honduras, JAPOLAC further strengthens its profile as an important platform for information, communication, and networking between Japan and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

During the meeting, Dr. Diaz also reaffirmed JAPOLAC’s commitment to continue working closely with the region’s diplomatic missions, developing initiatives that generate positive impacts and support the development of both regions.

With the inclusion of Honduras, JAPOLAC now has 12 diplomatic missions as honorary members, further enhancing its capacity for action and representation.

The Japanese Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC) warmly welcomed its directors and members to its annual New Year gathering. The event, presided over by Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, served as an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of 2024 and share a roadmap for 2025. Dr. Diaz expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all directors and members for their support and dedication to JAPOLAC’s mission of fostering connections and collaboration between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dr. Diaz highlighted several important initiatives from 2024, including the successful launch of an online academic program between Chiba University and the University of Santiago, Chile. He also underscored JAPOLAC’s collaboration with Kura Sushi to introduce Latin American and Caribbean culinary delights at Expo Osaka 2025—a testament to the vibrant cultural exchange JAPOLAC champions. Furthermore, he announced the incorporation of the Embassy of Honduras as a new honorary member of JAPOLAC, marking another milestone in strengthening ties with the region’s diplomatic missions.

Building on the successes of the past year, Dr. Diaz explain the activities for 2025. In this regard, he announced the preparation for the First Ecuador Cultural Festival, set to take place in June, which will celebrate Ecuador’s rich gastronomy, music, dance, tourism, and products. He also shared plans for a series of diplomatic lectures at Chiba University, featuring presentations by the embassies of Ecuador, Cuba, and Guatemala in April and May, further enriching academic and cultural dialogues.

On December 10, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, and Mr. Fredy Armijo, President of the Ecuadorian Association in Japan (SEKIDO), held a preparatory meeting with His Excellency César Montaño, Ambassador of Ecuador to Japan, and his team.

The discussion centered on the planning and coordination of the first Ecuador Cultural Festival in Japan, titled “The Country of the Four Worlds: Rhythms of the Andes.” Scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Tokyo, this landmark event will celebrate Ecuadorian culture with the support of SEKIDO and the collaboration of the Embassy of Ecuador in Japan.

This festival marks JAPOLAC’s fourth cultural event and serves as a tribute to Ecuador’s vibrant heritage and natural wonders. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ecuadorian gastronomy, traditional music and dance, tourism, and an array of products that showcase the nation’s rich traditions and multifaceted identity.

Ecuador is celebrated as the “Country of the Four Worlds” for its extraordinary geographical diversity, spanning the lush Amazon Rainforest, the majestic Andes Mountains, the picturesque Pacific Coast, and the pristine Galápagos Islands. The festival aspires to bring this remarkable diversity closer to the Japanese public, fostering a deeper appreciation of Ecuador’s unique cultural and natural treasures.

During the meeting, His Excellency Ambassador Montaño expressed his gratitude to JAPOLAC and SEKIDO for their dedication to organizing this significant cultural initiative. He reaffirmed the Embassy’s unwavering support for the festival, highlighting its vital role in strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between Ecuadorian and Japanese citizens.

The Ecuador Cultural Festival promises to be a memorable celebration of cross-cultural exchange, exemplifying the enduring ties between Ecuador and Japan.

Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, had the honor of attending the commemorative reception for the 199th Anniversary of the Independence of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, as well as the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Japanese immigration to the Andean country.

The reception began with welcoming and opening remarks by H.E. Yoshifumi Tsuge, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mrs. Natalia Salazar Balderrama, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Bolivia, who highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties that unite Bolivia and Japan.

During the event, Dr. Díaz conveyed his most sincere greetings and congratulations to Mrs. Salazar Balderrama, reaffirming JAPOLAC’s strong commitment to supporting the promotional work carried out by the Bolivian diplomatic mission in Japan.

The reception was enriched by the photographic exhibition “Discover Bolivia” by Akira Matsui, as well as a vibrant presentation of traditional Bolivian dance.
The event was graced by the distinguished presence of members of the diplomatic corps, local authorities, and prominent personalities of the Japanese community.

One of JAPOLAC’s objectives is to support the work of the embassies of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to increase the visibility of LAC countries in Japan.